. >> we've got to win in virginia. >> reporter: after chasing each other through the same states, now, they're preparing for the same stage. the president heads to nevada for debate prep, senator john kerry playing mitt romney. romney, holding mock debates, senator rob portman playing the president. and tonight, in an effort to lower expectations, each campaign lavishing praise on the other guy. a senior romney adviser writing "president obama is a uniquely gifted speaker and is widely regarded as one of the most talented political communicators in modern history." the obama campaign saying of romney he'll be a "prepared, disciplined and aggressive debater," pointing to the 20 debates romney had in the primaries. and as we've seen before, debates can hinge on one moment. >> how has the national debt personally affected each of your lives and if it hasn't, how can you honestly find a cure for the economic problems of the common people if you have no experience in what's ailing them? >> well, i think the national debt affects everybody. obviously, it has a lot to do with interest rates.